Archive for Erin Ryley

A Charming Country Wedding in North Gower, Ontario

Real Weddings

Posted January 1st, 2013 | 9:00 am | By | No Comments

For Jade Steptoe and Stephen McCoy a charming country wedding was a must. For their venue the couple selected Strathmere, a heritage property and former working farm. The couple decorated this lovely ceremony and reception site outside of Ottawa with vibrant shades of blue and orange to match the cheery feel of their celebration.

Jade Steptoe and Stephen McCoy, July 8, 2011, North Gower, Ontario.

Photography courtesy of Anna Jones Photography.

Vendors
Ceremony and reception location: Strathmere
Wedding planner: Strathmere
Dress: Cedar Closet Bridal Boutique
Groom’s tux: Calvin Klein
Bridal party attire: British Home Stores
Hair: Carte Blanche Haute Coiffure (613-837-6644)
Makeup: Carte Blanche Haute Coiffure (613-837-6644)
Music: Len Joachim, a friend of the bride and groom
Cake: The Cake Shop
Caterer: Strathmere
Flowers: From Superstore, assembled by the bride and groom with supplies from Michaels
Stationery: DIY by the bride and groom

A Chic Winter Wedding in Quebec

Real Weddings

Posted December 25th, 2012 | 9:00 am | By | No Comments

For highschool sweethearts Stefanie and Matthew a chic winter wedding that celebrated the best of season was a must. The couple, who became engaged in true Canadian fashion over coffee and Timbits, celebrated with 90 of their closest family members and friends at the Novotel Montréal Aéroport. The venue was decorated according to the bride’s white and purple colour scheme and accented with snowflakes and glitter to reflect a classic Quebec winter.

Stefanie Giorgi and Matthew Niunka, February 4, 2012, Ville Saint-Laurent, Quebec.

Photography courtesy of Isabella Amodei of Ella Photography (www.ellaphotography.ca).

Vendors
Ceremony and reception location: Gestionnaire des Banquets
Wedding planner: Jane Mazurier of Gestionnaire des Banquets
Dress: Impression
Groom’s tux: Moores
Bridal party attire: NetBride
Hair: Moxee Coiffure
Makeup: Ally Zwonok
Music: Mike Silvaggio of Universal Dance Muzik 
Cake: Jennifer Light (jennifer_annie_light@hotmail.com)
Caterer: Gestionnaire des Banquets
Favours: Charitable donation was made to Gerdy’s Rescues & Adoptions and the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Canada
Flowers: Assembled by the bride and her family and friends
Stationery: Invitation materials from Michaels; Place cards and thank you notes from Davide Giliati Design

See all of the photos from this chic winter wedding here.

A Simple Elegant Wedding in Edmonton, Alberta

Real Weddings

Posted November 21st, 2012 | 9:00 am | By | 1 Comment

It was love at first sight for Carlee and Edwin, who met while working together at Wheaton Honda, a local car dealership. The couple planned a simple, elegant wedding at the Snow Valley Ski Club in Edmonton where their guests enjoyed personalized M&Ms, hip-hop dancers and a festive photo booth. However, both Carlee and Edwin agree that their best moment occurred before the elegant wedding ceremony when they first spied each other in their backyard. “I walked out, tapped him on the shoulder, and we spent five to ten minutes just admiring each other and our day,” Carlee gushes. “It was such a special time for us.”

Carlee Gilker and Edwin Sundar, June 9, 2012, Edmonton, Alberta

Photography courtesy of James Design Studios (www.james-design.net)

Vendors
Ceremony and location: Snow Valley Ski Club
Dress: Sottero and Midgley from Bridal Debut
Groom’s tux: Tip Top Tailors
Bridal party attire: Anthropologie
Hair: Brae-Lea Hickey of Hedkandi Salon, cousin of the bride
Makeup: Sheba Levoir, cousin of the bride
Music: Greg Goa
Cake: Cake It or Leave It
Caterer: Snow Valley Ski Club
Favours: My M&Ms
Flowers: Lindsay Best, friend of the bride
Stationery: Lisa Peyer, friend of the bride (lisa.r.peyer@gmail.com)
Others: Videography by Aaron Camponi

See all of the photos from this simple, elegant wedding in Edmonton, Alberta.

A Vintage Wedding in Edmonton, Alberta

Real Weddings

Posted November 9th, 2012 | 9:00 am | By | No Comments

Passion and personal touches were central to Alise and Nathan’s beautiful yellow and grey vintage wedding day. The couple, who met at a mutual friend’s birthday party, celebrated with 140 friends and family at The Glendale Golf and Country Club—a lush green golf club that was perfect for their vintage wedding day. The celebration was filled with personalized details, ranging from Nathan’s handwritten vows (which he expertly memorized) and the couple’s choice of wedding song (“Sparks” by Coldplay from the soundtrack to one of their favourite movies Wedding Crashers) to Alise’s genuine vintage wedding veil, a gift from her grandmother who had worn it to her own wedding 56 years ago. “After giving the veil a little TLC, it was a perfect match for my dress,” Alise explains. “It was such a special thing to be able to wear it on my wedding day.”

Alise Shellenberg and Nathan, May 26, 2012, Edmonton, Alberta.

Photography courtesy of Erin Walker (www.erinwalker.ca).

Vendors
Ceremony location: Heartland Alliance Church
Reception location: Glendale Golf and Country Club
Dress: ABC Bridal
Groom’s tux: Derk’s Formals
Bridal party attire: ABC Bridal
Hair: Headquarters Salon & Day Spa
Makeup: Headquarters Salon & Day Spa
Music: David McBean & Eric Bellinger (edmontonweddingdjs@gmail.com)
Cake: All About Cakes by Karen Chaykowski
Caterer: Glendale Golf and Country Club
Flowers: Lindsay Best
Stationery: DIY (designed by bride)
Others: Bride’s feather hairpiece from Pomp & Plumage

See all of the photos from this classic vintage wedding in Edmonton.

A Modern Sikh Wedding in Vancouver

Real Weddings

Posted November 6th, 2012 | 9:00 am | By | No Comments

Planning a week-long modern Sikh wedding celebration for nearly 900 guests is no small feat, but Christina Bains and Jesse Dhami did just that—and without a single hitch! The couple cleverly coordinated several days of events which culminated in a traditional Sikh ceremony and a modern reception, all without the help of a wedding planner. “I created a detailed itinerary for everyone,” Christina notes. “I think that really helped keep things on track.” The bride and groom also relied on designated “timekeepers” from both sides of the family to wrangle guests. And, when in doubt, Christina just led by example. “I quickly realized everyone will follow the bride,” she jokes.

To kick off the week’s modern Sikh wedding festivities Christina and her best girlfriends gathered together for a mehndi party. All the girls had mehndi applied to their hands and feet, but Christina’s was the most elaborate by far. It took nearly four hours to complete, but “It was worth every minute,” Christina avows. “And my friends brought me drinks and snacks!”

The following day Christina participated in a Maiyan ceremony. During this traditional rite of passage, Christina’s family members cleansed her face and hands (Jesse completed the same ritual with his family). Then Christina and more than 200 of her loved ones headed out into the neighbourhood to announce her upcoming wedding. The jubilant procession—complete with singing and drumming—made its way slowly around the block with the beaming bride at the helm.

After a whirlwind of pre-wedding engagements, Christina decided to start her modern Sikh wedding wedding day in peace and quiet. “I chose to get ready at my apartment downtown with two of my girlfriends,” she shares. “I love flowers and sweets, so I filled my place with bouquets of lilies and gerbera daisies, and we nibbled on French pastries as we were getting ready.” Christina dressed for the ceremony in a traditional two-piece lengha and net dupputa adorned with exquisite embroidery and beading, and headed to the temple to greet her groom.

An epic ceremony commenced with the Milni, a symbolic meeting of the men from both sides of the family. Then hundreds of guests, wearing their finest and most colourful attire, filed into the temple and took their seats to witness Christina and Jesse become husband and wife. After saying “I do,” Christina and Jesse were eager to let loose and celebrate with their nearest and dearest. “One of our best moments of the day was in the limo on the way to the reception hall. We were surrounded by eight of our closest friends. It was such a special and private time when we escaped from the crowds and truly celebrated. The entire day had gone so smoothly, and we couldn’t wait to get on the dance floor,” Christina reminisces.

“Our reception was more western,” Christina shares. “We had all the usual wedding customs: the cake cutting, the speeches and the first dance,” she explains. And she had the perfect party outfit at the ready: a custom-made creation by local fashion designer Manuel Mendoza. For the occasion, a silk sari was transformed into an elegant, luxurious evening gown. Christina completed her look with a birdcage veil and super-sexy Christian Louboutin heels.

After changing for the reception, Christina and Jesse made their grand entrance to a version of Rick Springfield’s catchy tune “Jessie’s Girl”. “This song has always been special for Jesse,” Christina admits. “His friends always phone him when they hear it.” Naturally, Christina decided the tune was ideal for getting the party started, but Jesse didn’t have a clue. “He was completely surprised when we walked in,” Christina smiles. “He couldn’t stop laughing!”

Christina Bains and Jesse Dhami, July 1, 2011, Vancouver, British Columbia.

Photography courtesy of Hong Photography (www.hong-photography.com).

Vendors
Ceremony location: Khalsa Diwan Society
Reception location: Fraserview Banquet Hall
Dress: Wedding lengha custom made by Sunny’s Bridal Gallery; Evening dress designed by bride and made by Manuel Mendoza
Groom’s tux: Custom made in India
Hair: Faces by Moni Uppal
Makeup: Faces by Moni Uppal
Music: MIB
Cake: Kreation
Caterer: Fraserview Banquet Hall
Flowers: Flower Factory
Stationery: Deep in Design (info@deepindesign)
Others: Videography courtesy of Love Story Media; Nails done at Bliss Salon; Mehndi done by Mehndi Designs by Iti

See all of the photos from this modern Sikh wedding.

A Storybook Romance-Themed Wedding In Toronto

Real Weddings

Posted October 29th, 2012 | 12:00 pm | By | No Comments

Having a unique celebration was important to Jaime Nugent and Ryan Irvine so a storybook romance-themed wedding seemed the perfect choice. “We wanted our guests to learn how we first met. We wanted to engage our audience,” Jaime shares. So they hired a children’s storyteller, in lieu of a traditional officiant, to share the fateful tale of their relationship. As it turns out, Jaime and Ryan were born five days apart in the same hospital and they actually spent one whole day together in the maternity ward nursery. Both of them were raised in Oakville, attended the University of Western Ontario and vacationed at the same resort in the Dominican Republic during Reading Week, but they didn’t actually meet until a mutual friend introduced them in 2005. Five years later on a warm summer night under the stars, Ryan asked Jaime to marry him, and she said, “Yes.” One year later she was ready to say, “I do.”

The night before the storybook romance-themed wedding Jaime checked into One King West, a chic hotel in downtown Toronto, with her mother. The weather forecast for the next day didn’t look favourable; in fact, thunderstorms were on the radar. To her surprise, Jaime woke the next morning to her mother throwing back the curtains to reveal a picture-perfect sunny day.

Before the storybook romance-themed wedding ceremony, Jaime and Ryan engineered a “first look” outside in a nearby courtyard. “I walked up behind him and tapped him on the shoulder,” Jaime recalls. “When he turned around I felt so incredibly lucky—he looked so handsome and happier than I’ve ever seen him. I could hardly believe he was going to be my husband in just a few hours.”

Post-ceremony, the fabulous celebration was at The Fifth Social Club, an urban nightclub, which was transformed into a romantic retreat. “We wanted everyone to feel welcomed and loved,” Jaime says. To enhance the family atmosphere, each guest was encouraged to select one main from the menu, while generous side dishes were passed around the table and shared. When it was time to hit the dance floor, guests grooved to the sweet sounds of live band Lady Kane. Jaime and Ryan had seen the band perform several times before, and Lady Kane was actually playing when the two shared their first kiss! In order to alleviate any awkwardness for their first dance, Jaime and Ryan practiced some moves they learned on YouTube in the weeks leading up to the wedding. They successfully made it through Otis Redding’s “These Arms of Mine,” which was the perfect tempo—“Neither too slow nor too fast,” Jaime laughs. The music was a hit with guests of all ages, and even their grandmothers joined them for a twirl. “Watching our family and friends laughing and singing on the dance floor was definitely one of our favourite moments,” Jaime recalls.

Jaime Nugent and Ryan Irvine, September 24, 2011, Toronto, Ontario.

Photography courtesy of Rebecca Wood Photography (www.rebeccawood.ca)

Vendors
Ceremony location: The Fifth Social Club
Reception location: The Fifth Grill & Terrace
Wedding planner: Cynthia Martyn Events
Dress: Jim Hjelm
Groom’s tux: Pal Zileri from Via Cavour
Hair: FacesByCarla
Makeup: FacesByCarla
Music: Lady Kane
Caterer: The Fifth Grill & Terrace
Favours: DIY by the bride
Flowers: Fuscia Designs
Stationery: DIY by the bride

See all of the photos from this storybook romance-themed wedding.

 

 

 

 

A Stylish Summer Wedding With Bright Pops of Colour

Real Weddings

Posted October 22nd, 2012 | 12:00 pm | By | 1 Comment

A trip to Italy was exactly the occasion Mark Holden was waiting for to propose to his girlfriend of 10 years, Emily Walker (Em). “It’s funny, because the day before our vacation Mark left his packing list out, and I saw on the list ‘bring the other thing,” Em reveals. “Because of my curious nature, throughout the entire trip, I kept asking him ‘what’s the other thing’?” It wasn’t until their final night in Italy Mark decided to pop the question. “Before we left, Mark didn’t have time to have the chat with my father, so he secretly called him while in Rome,” Em explains. “While we were having our last dinner in Italy, I asked Mark again what this ‘other thing’ was because I was thinking about it all night!” After some laughter and more mystery, Mark asked Em to be his wife. “It was such an amazing experience; we were laughing then crying, and I wanted to tell someone but no one around us spoke English!” Em recalls.

Less than a year later, the duo made plans for an engaging and stylish summer wedding. “We knew from the start we didn’t want anything traditional,” Em says. “We wanted something more casual and fun.” After searching Toronto for idyllic locations, the two, through word of mouth, found the perfect location for their stylish summer wedding: Nyood Restaurant & Bar, an art deco restaurant featuring dark furnishings and a white ceiling. To begin their wedding day, the pair opted to meet pre-ceremony. “I opened our front door and saw Mark on the street with his back to me—it was a heartfelt moment and I’m so glad we met beforehand,” Em says. After taking photos, guests attended the brief ceremony at Thrush Holmes Empire art gallery and then headed to another venue for the remainder of the evening.

Drinks, appetizers, cupcakes, floral centrepieces, a lounge and a sweets bar—which were sporadically scattered around the restaurant—greeted everyone as they entered. “There wasn’t really a strict program. We had a wedding entrance and some speeches, but we just wanted everyone to have a good time,” Em explains.

Ending the night on a high note, Em’s side of the family (aunts, cousins, uncles, etc.) surprised the couple with a flash mob dance number. “It was hilarious and so amazing to see my family dance the same moves,” she laughs. “Mark and I just sat back and enjoyed the show.” The stylish summer wedding continued with everyone taking to the dance floor until the very last tune. “We loved how everything unfolded. It was fun and light—the perfect summer party,” Em smiles.

Emily Walker and Mark Holden, July 31, 2011, Toronto, Ontario.

Photography courtesy of Boyfriend/Girlfriend (www.boyfriendgirlfriendpictures.com)

Vendors
Ceremony location: Thrush Holmes Empire
Reception location: Nyood Restaurant & Bar
Dress: Cymbeline from Becker’s Bridal
Groom’s tux: Hugo Boss
Bridal party attire: J.Crew
Hair: Flaunt Boutique
Makeup: Victoria Fedosoff
Music: DJ Eric Ling
Cupcakes: Tea Amo (teaamotreats@gmail.com)
Caterer: Nyood Restaurant & Bar
Favours: DIY by the bride and groom
Flowers: Stemz
Stationery: Mark Holden

See all of the photos from this stylish summer wedding.

A Posh Destination Wedding in Spain

Real Weddings

Posted October 22nd, 2012 | 9:00 am | By | No Comments

For an unconventional couple like Kelly Taphouse and William Nah, an exotic destination wedding in Spain was the perfect way to say, “I do.” The two planned an adventure that reflected their unique love story. They met by chance, but the timing wasn’t right, and they didn’t exchange numbers. A few months later, their paths crossed again and “It was undeniably love at second sight,” Kelly laughs. “Seven years later, here we are!” When it came time to propose, Kelly turned the tables on William: “On New Year’s Eve, I popped the question. I’m not sure if he took me seriously at first, but after a few minutes he got tears in his eyes, and he said yes,” she recalls fondly.

A traditional ceremony wasn’t their style, and neither was a typical location. “We wanted to be by the sea,” Kelly explains, “but somewhere like the Dominican Republic just wasn’t for us.” After much research, they decided on a destination wedding in Spain. Marbella to be exact.  “We were looking for a place with a prominent local culture and different food and music. In the end, Spain completely won us over.”

On their once-in-a-lifetime journey, Kelly and William were joined by 25 of their loved ones, who flew overseas for the occasion. The celebration started with a civil ceremony on the island of Gibraltar (just to make things legal!), and a memorable rehearsal dinner in the village of Mijas. “We rented out a tapas bar where we listened to live music and indulged in delicious food and lots of sangria,” Kelly shares. The following day it was time for the main event: a beautiful beachside ceremony at the Hotel Puente Romano. Kelly describes her walk down the aisle as one of her fondest memories: “Walking towards the Mediterranean Sea to the sound of a flamenco guitar playing Pachelbel’s ‘Canon in D Major’ was surreal,” she recounts. “My heart was racing, and I was absolutely overjoyed to see William standing there.”

The magic moments continued aplenty at their Spanish-style reception, as a full flamenco troupe engaged the crowd. “They were amazing and pulled some of the guests up on stage to dance with them, which was very entertaining,” Kelly recalls. On a personal note, William had some wonderful surprises in store for his brand-new bride: a touching video—featuring heartfelt messages from friends and family back home—and a romantic serenade. “Six years ago, William re-wrote the lyrics to James Blunt’s ‘You’re Beautiful’ for me. At the reception, his brother Joon (who formerly belonged to an a cappella group) performed the song,” explains Kelly. “I was overwhelmed with laughter and tears.”

Before heading home from this destination wedding in Spain there was one last adventure in store for the couple’s guests: a group getaway to Morocco! Everyone boarded a boat headed for Tangier where they explored the ancient streets by camel. “We didn’t give gifts to our guests,” she shares. “The excursion was our way of saying thank you.” For Kelly, the entire experience of getting married and celebrating with her nearest and dearest was a dream come true: “Everything I’ve imagined for years became reality. I could truly say I was living my dreams. How many people get to say that?”

Kelly Taphouse and William Nah, September 21, 2011, Marbella, Spain.

Photography courtesy of Joee Wong (www.joeewong.com)

Vendors
Ceremony location: Hotel Puente Romano
Reception location: Suite Del Mar at Hotel Puente Romano
Wedding planner: Reviva Weddings & Planning
Dress: Essence of Australia
Groom’s tux: Hugo Boss
Hair: Kathryn Parr
Makeup: Kathryn Parr
Music: Playlist assembled by the bride and groom
Cake: Cake Marbella
Caterer: Hotel Puente Romano
Favours: Reviva Weddings & Planning
Flowers: Reviva Weddings & Planning
Stationery: Reviva Weddings & Planning
Other: Videography by Ramon Cespedes, RC2 Films

See all of the beautiful photos from this destination wedding in Spain.

A Glam Art Gallery Wedding In Toronto

Real Weddings

Posted September 26th, 2012 | 9:00 am | By | No Comments

While many might ponder what to wear at a glam art gallery wedding in downtown Toronto, bride Lori O’Callaghan needed no direction. Her impeccably stylish selection, a crystal-encrusted gown from Superior Bridal, featured a plunging back befitting a film star. The Embassy Grand Convention Centre, where Lori married her groom Darin O’Callaghan, was appropriately decorated with whimsical branches to reflect the seasonal celebration. Afterwards, celebrants proceeded to a cocktail reception at the Thompson Landry Gallery, one of Toronto’s hippest venues. With its impressive brickwork, exposed piping and industrial chic decor, Thompson Landry was the ideal location for this glam art gallery wedding. The couple stopped to pose at various spots around the big city (like the infamous King Edward Hotel) before joining their guests to celebrate. The glam art gallery wedding featured music by Bellosound (not to mention a full supply of cupcakes).

Lori and Darin O’Callaghan, February 25, 2012, Toronto, Ontario.

Photography courtesy of Nadia Tanya Photography (www.nadiatanyaphotography.com)

Vendors
Ceremony location: Embassy Grand Convention Centre
Cocktail reception location: Thompson Landry Gallery
Dress: Superior Bridal
Groom’s tux: BMW Bolton Menswear
Hair: Laura Andres from Salon Gio
Makeup: Maya Advanced Skin & Body Care
Music: Grenville Pinto at the ceremony and Bellosound during the reception
Cupcakes: Cupcake Pleasures Inc.
Caterer: Sublime Catering
Favours: D&D Floral Designs
Flowers: D&D Floral Designs
Stationery: DIY

See all of the photos from this glam art gallery wedding here.

A Hawaiian Destination Wedding

Real Weddings

Posted September 18th, 2012 | 9:00 am | By | No Comments

Wendy and Phil soaked up the sun during their breathtaking Hawaiian destination wedding. The couple and 25 of their closest friends and family members settled into the stunning Fairmont Orchid on the big island of Hawaii, which proved to be the perfect ceremony and reception venue for the celebration. The couple incorporated several traditions native to the islands during their Hawaiian destination wedding ceremony, including a conch blower that announced the bride and a lei exchange between the families. Following the beautiful ceremony, guests arranged themselves at a long white modern table adorned with vibrant accents, including gorgeous white and red floral centerpieces. As this Hawaiian destination wedding celebration progressed, the newlyweds cut their red and white cake topped with fresh roses, which accentuated the tropical, yet modern, theme of the evening. After wining and dining, the couple and their guests made their way to the dance floor where they were serenaded by Hawaiian tunes — a perfect ending to the romantic night.

Wendy Thompson and Phil Marinucci, May 25th, 2012, Hawaii.

Photography courtesy of Fletch Photography (www.fletchphotography.com)

Vendors
Ceremony location: Turtle Point at The Fairmont Orchid
Reception location: Brown’s Beach House at The Fairmont Orchid
Wedding planner: The Fairmont Orchid
Dress: Alfred Angelo from Val’s Bridal
Groom’s tux: After Six from Attractions Bridal and Formal Wear
Bridal party attire: Teatro dress from eBay
Hair: The Spa Without Walls at the Fairmont Orchid
Makeup: The Spa Without Walls at the Fairmont Orchid
Cake: The Fairmont Orchid
Caterer: Brown’s Beach House at The Fairmont Orchid
Favours: Hanson Ellis
Flowers: Ainahua Florals
Stationery: Wedding Designs
Others: Ring dishes made by Wise Impressions

See all of the photos from this gorgeous Hawaiian destination wedding below.

A Timeless Nautical Wedding in Toronto

Real Weddings

Posted September 14th, 2012 | 9:00 am | By | 1 Comment

Bride Lesley Robb and groom Jose Carlos Salazar (known to everyone as Pepe) met, went on their first date and became engaged—all while working on a cruise ship together. Ergo, when it came to choosing their wedding theme, it was inevitable the two would pick a nautical wedding motif for their classic celebration.

With assistance from wedding planner Melissa Andre of Melissa Andre Events, the duo meticulously created an elaborate and timeless affair that would wow all their guests and show their affinity for the ocean. “Initially, I was going for red and white as my main colours,” Lesley explains. “But then Melissa and I thought it would be too Canadiana, so we added navy blue to the mix.” After their nautical wedding colours were chosen, the couple began searching for a timeless venue for their classic celebration. “The Granite Club was an easy choice for us,” Lesley smiles. “My parents were married there 32 years ago, and we go there every year for Christmas and Easter. It’s a space I’ve always been familiar with, and I knew it would be perfect for our nautical wedding.”

On August 27th, 2011, Lesley and Pepe tied the knot in front of 150 guests. The nautical wedding’s ceremony was held on the terrace of The Granite Club’s Regency Ballroom, followed by a reception in the Grand Ballroom. “The best moment was when Melissa brought us into the room to see the decor—it was amazing, ” Lesley recalls. Every element was beautifully set-up in a timeless way, but it was the sweets bar, covered in red, white and navy blue treats, that delighted guests.

Another amazing reception detail of the classic celebration was the food. Lesley and Pepe began their meal with a typical Peruvian appetizer. “It was important for us to include Pepe’s culture,” Lesley explains. “For our main appetizers we served causa, a traditional Peruvian dish, which is similar to a potato and chicken salad.” In addition, Lesley and Pepe decorated each table with Spanish phrase cards, which explained how to say “hello”, “how are you” and “you are beautiful”. “Pepe’s side of the family speaks mostly Spanish, so we wanted to find a way to ensure they could converse with everyone, and we thought the translation cards were perfect,” Lesley says. After a fabulous meal and heartwarming speeches, the twosome glided to the dance floor for their first dance to “Lucky,” by Jason Mraz and Colbie Caillat. “I really liked how we slowly walked into the middle of the dance floor during the 30 second intro,” Pepe says. “We were able to talk and share a moment together.”

For dessert, guests were treated to another Peruvian delight: alfajores—shortbread cookies filled with dulce de leche. As the timeless classic celebration concluded, Lesley and Pepe both agreed that they could not have planned a more perfect nautical wedding day. “It wasn’t all smooth sailing. Of course, there were some hiccups along the way. One of the major ones was the Canadian postal strike,” Lesley laughs. “I had to hand-deliver about 60 wedding invitations (I even drove all the way to Buffalo for one of them). As a matter of fact, my story made the news! But, looking back, it was all worth it when everything came together and we were able to share our celebration with our loved ones.”

Lesley Robb and Jose Carlos Salazar, August 27 2011, Toronto, Ontario.

Photography courtesy of 5ive15teen Photo Company (www.5ive15ifteen.com)

Vendors
Ceremony and reception location: The Granite Club
Wedding planner: Melissa Andre Events
Dress: Pronovias from Superior Bridal
Groom’s tux: Tuxedo Royale
Bridal party attire: Jasmine B2 from Superior Bridal
Hair: Melissa Andre Celebrate.Beauty.
Makeup: Melissa Andre Celebrate.Beauty
Music: As You Like It
Cake: Bobbette and Belle
Caterer: The Granite Club
Favours: Laura Hooper Calligraphy
Flowers: Flower Parade
Stationery: Invitations by Palettera; Day of stationery by Blue Rider Studio

See all of the photos from this nautical classic celebration here.

A Winter Wedding in Toronto, Ontario

Real Weddings

Posted September 12th, 2012 | 9:00 am | By | No Comments

Sophistication was the name of the game at Jamie and Timothy’s winter wedding, which took place at gorgeous Graydon Hall in Toronto. The two made a polished pair — Jamie donned a stunning Oscar de la Renta gown with a sweetheart neckline while Tim wore a classic Giorgio Armani tux. The grand hall was decorated with luxe embellishments in soft shades of taupe and brown, and tables were adorned with crystal plates and stunning silverware. Orchid and hydrangea centrepieces sat atop tables, matching the sophisticated theme of this winter wedding to a tee. The couple opted for a “cheese” cake, constructed by several types of cheese wheels, and served it with succulent fruit. As the night closed on the winter wedding celebration, guests were entertained by Chinese lion dancers.

Jamie Shing and Timothy Cook, January 28, 2012, Toronto, Ontario.

Photography courtesy of Pear Studios (www.pearstudios.ca)

Vendors
Ceremony and reception location: Graydon Hall
Wedding planner: Karina Lemke
Dress: Oscar de la Renta and Sarah Houston Bridal from White Toronto
Groom’s tux: Giorgio Armani from Holt Renfrew
Bridal party attire: Badgley Mischka and Nicole Miller from Holt Renfrew
Hair: Fiorio Salon & Spa
Makeup: Fiorio Salon & Spa
Music: Michael Coombs
Cake: Cheese Boutique
Caterer: Couture Cuisine
Favours: Riedel champagne glasses from The Bay
Flowers: Arcadia
Stationery: Studio 24

See all of the photos from this stunning winter wedding below.

A Fall Wedding in London, Ontario

Real Weddings

Posted September 11th, 2012 | 9:00 am | By | 1 Comment

Stefanie and Bryan wed on a beautiful autumn afternoon at St. Peter’s Cathedral Basilica with 150 of their friends and family in attendance. The cathedral’s dark mahogany wood pews and stunning stained glass windows made it the perfect ceremony location for the fall wedding. The celebration then moved to the Bellamere Winery & Events Centre, a gorgeous venue where the bridal party posed for pictures under a lovely gazebo in the chill autumn air. As the party moved inside, guests were blown away by the winery’s transformation. The grand hall boasted ample floor room for guests to dance into the wee hours of the night and was adorned with silver, purple and white embellishments that perfectly matched the theme of the fall wedding. Family and friends revolved around a table offering a towering stack of monogrammed purple and white cupcakes, a sweet addition to the fall wedding celebration. “Every little detail with our wedding we appreciated and I was so impressed with all of the vendors we chose,” Stefanie explains.

Stefanie and Bryan Balcarras, October 22, 2011, London, Ontario.

Photography courtesy of Sandra Regier Photography (www.sandraregier.com)

See all of the photos from this stunning fall wedding here.

Vendors
Ceremony location: St. Peter’s Cathedral Basilica
Reception location: Bellamere Winery & Events Centre
Wedding planner: Karen Spoto from Bellamere Winery & Events Centre
Dress: Pronovias from Nicholas & Elizabeth Bridal (519-439-9843)
Groom’s tux: Moores
Bridal party attire: After Six from Nicholas & Elizabeth Bridal (519-439-9843)
Hair: The Gilded Lily
Makeup: The Gilded Lily
Music: Professional MC/DJ Entertainment
Cake: Unger’s Market
Caterer: Bellamere Winery & Events Centre
Favours: Mint Smoothies from The Chocolate Factory
Flowers: TurnBull Flowers & Urban Accents
Stationery: Trisha Designs
Others: Decorator from Gala Decor

A Pastel Summer Wedding in Vancouver

Real Weddings

Posted September 10th, 2012 | 9:00 am | By | No Comments

As soon as Mandy and Wilson set foot in Vancouver’s Hycroft Edwardian mansion they knew they had found the perfect venue for their summer wedding. The impressive grounds, including exquisite ornamental gardens, instantly captivated the duo, and the rest of their romantic wedding details quickly fell into place. “Hycroft definitely inspired our romantic and classic theme,” Mandy confirms. “To complement the venue I chose soft pastel shades like baby pink and pale purple—my favourite colour—for the invitations, the bridesmaid dresses, my bouquet and other decor elements.”

After choosing a location for their pastel summer wedding, Mandy turned her attention to finding the dress of her dreams. Funnily enough, it was far from love at first sight. “When we entered the boutique, my dress was on the mannequin, and I walked right past it. My friend urged me to try it on, but I wasn’t so sure.” After trying two other dresses, Mandy stepped into the third—the dress from the mannequin—and she knew it was the one. The tulle ballgown by Vera Wang was everything Mandy dreamed of for her pastel romantic wedding: “It was dreamy and airy—perfect for my outdoor wedding.”

The sun was shining brightly on the romantic wedding day and guests eagerly anticipated Mandy’s appearance. While she confesses to feeling nervous on her way down the aisle carrying her pastel bouquet, “I was just trying not to trip,” Mandy laughs, she’ll never forget the feeling of seeing Wilson for the first time: “I was walking with my dad, and everybody was standing, looking at me. I was looking at Wilson, and as I got closer I could see he had tears in his eyes. It was
a magical moment,” she reminisces.

To kick off the summer wedding celebration guests enjoyed light refreshments before heading to the romantic wedding reception venue. Mandy switched up her look for the party and donned a tea-length Romona Keveža dress. She also had one more outfit change in store—a fuchsia evening gown adorned with crystals. “In Chinese tradition it’s customary for the bride to wear red, so I chose this deep pink colour,” she shares. During a 10-course traditional Chinese dinner, Mandy and Wilson made their rounds, taking the time to toast with every single one of their 220 guests. The happy couple also showed their appreciation with a practical (and meaningful!) gift for their guests to take home after the romantic wedding: personalized chopsticks. “In the Chinese culture, chopsticks are something you use every day,” Mandy explains, “but they’re also symbolic because you can’t have just one. You always need a pair.”

Looking back now, Mandy wouldn’t change a single thing about her summer wedding. “Everything went according to schedule thanks to the help of our wonderful friends,” Mandy reflects. “The whole day was just so perfect.”

Mandy So and Wilson Kwong, July 10, 2011, Vancouver, British Columbia.

Photography courtesy of Ellen Ho from Hong Photography
(www.hong-photography.com)

Vendors

Ceremony location: Hycroft Manor
Reception location: Fisherman’s Terrace Seafood Restaurant (604-303-9739)
Dress: Vera Wang from Marcella’s La Boutique
Groom’s tux: Custom-made by Mode Tuxedo in Hong Kong
Bridal party attire: Custom-made by Mes Bridal in Hong Kong
Hair: Sara Lin
Makeup: Sara Lin
Cake: Ganache Patisserie
Caterer: Fisherman’s Terrace Seafood Restaurant (604-303-9739)
Favours: Custom-made in Hong Kong
Flowers: Balconi Floral Design
Stationery: DIY
Others: Videography courtesy of Life Studios Inc.; Bridal Jewellery by Jeweliette and ARTE Madrid

See all of the photos from this gorgeous pastel summer wedding here.

 

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